A ferry with nearly 270 people aboard overturned Sunday off northern Cyprus and left at least seven dead, Turkish outlets said.

Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel told state television that 237 people were pulled to safety while crews still searched for 24 others. The vessel ran into rough seas, flooded about 15 minutes after leaving Kyrenia bound for Tasucu in Turkey, and sent a distress signal soon after.

Kyrenia Mayor Murat Senkul said the catamaran belonged to Filo Denizcilik and went down near Diana beach after flooding 7.5 kilometers from shore.